Booth political collection opens at WIU

Wednesday

Scholars and history buffs have a new treasure trove of artifacts to enjoy thanks to one Western Illinois University alumnus.

Scholars and history buffs have a new treasure trove of artifacts to enjoy thanks to one Western Illinois University alumnus.

The WIU College of Arts and Sciences held the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the CAS Gallery, featuring the Tom Booth Political Memorabilia Collection Friday in Morgan Hall.
“This gift is an example of the generosity of our alumni,” said CAS Interim Dean Sue Martinelli-Fernandez in a program preceding the ribbon cutting.

“It provides opportunities for students, faculty and the community to explore, research and experience some of the most important events that took place in our state and national history.”
Booth, an artist, teacher and collector, graduated from WIU in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in education. In the past half century, Booth has worked for four presidents, four governors, two senators and three congressmen, acquiring a wealth of politically historical souvenirs along the way.

Booth gave the initial gift over three years ago, and Political Science Chair Dr. Rick Hardy took 10 trips to bring the collection to WIU from Booth’s Springfield residence. WIU President Al Goldfarb later gave permission to hold the exhibit in the former Apple computer store.

“This shows the importance of the donation, because available space at the university just does not exist,” said CAS Director of Development Bryce Dexter. Dexter read two letters—one from the former minority leader of the United States House of Representatives Bob Michael, and the other from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood—praising Booth for his dedication to the political process.

Several of Booth’s other colleagues were present on?Friday to recognize his public service.
“In Springfield he spreads his volunteerism throughout the entire community, exhausting us mere mortals who try to keep up with him,” said retired curator Larry Blake.
Local political leaders, Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead and 94th District State Representative Rich Myers focused on his influence in politics.

“Students tend to look at what’s happening now, and they get very disillusioned,” said Myers. “Hopefully this display will inspire students to be respectable public servants.”
Inside the gallery, the walls and shelves are lined with artifacts as common as presidential portraits and as obscure as a Nixon caricature sculpture that was given to Booth from the 1968 Nixon campaign.

Booth said that, common or obscure, all of the artifacts are significant.

“It’s all history,” said Booth. “How are we going to keep this nation going if we don’t care about what’s happened a long time ago? It’s necessary.”

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